Treadmill Buying Guide
Before buying a treadmill one should be clear about the expectations and demands that will be placed on it, and the features necessary to meet those demands and expectations. Will it be used for power walking and light jogging or is it mainly used for serious running? With each step the running deck is impacted with a multiple of the user’s weight, therefore the demands on the treadmill construction are very high.
In the following we will show you the key points to consider when making your treadmill purchase.
The motor
A powerful motor is an important factor of a quality treadmill. A strong motor runs more quietly and smoother. It also means increased durability. A 2 HP continuous duty motor is the minimum one should consider. Make sure the listing is continuous duty not peak performance. As the word already states, continuous duty measures the treadmills perform at on a continuous basis during operation. Peak performance describes performance that can be reached for a short period of time only. Only with enough HP can you be certain that your treadmill will stand up to higher speeds and not flounder.
The frame construction
The frame is one of the most important components of a quality treadmill. A solid frame prevents excessive vibration. The frame can be constructed of either aluminium or steel. Steel provides greater elasticity, this is positively perceived during training and a pleasant running experience develops. With a steel frame the treadmill is solid and quiet. If the main use for the treadmill is walking or light jogging, a unit weight of 80-100 kg is sufficient. For a more intensive running work out one should look for a unit weighing more than 100 kg.
The shock absorption
When running or jogging there is a lot of stress put on the joints. The knees are what suffer the most. To minimize the stress on the joints it is important to pay attention to the shock absorption system the treadmill you are interested in has to offer. There is a wide variety of options available on the market. Most common are rubber pads which are mounted under the running board. With this version however the impact is only partially cushioned and therefore this is not the best solution. Depending on the manufacturer there are many better systems available, the Swing-Arm-Suspension System is one of them.
The incline
On very inexpensive machines the grade of the running deck is adjusted manually using a lever. This system is not very practical since it is necessary to interrupt the training to make incline changes. Much more user friendly is the electronic incline adjustment. With an electronic system the incline can be changed at any time during training which makes it easy to regulate the intensity of the workout. Heart rate controlled programs also use the incline adjustment to get to, or stay within the desired heart rate zone. At minimum your treadmill should offer an adjustable grade from 0 10% to allow enjoyable training sessions.
The running belt
Most treadmills feature a two ply belt, with a polyurethane layer on the top and a nylon-polyester weave on the bottom. It is advisable that you check the underside of the running belt and pay attention to the following three things.
1.) Does the seam run diagonally? A diagonal seam is especially important for the longevity of the belt. With a diagonal seam the joint
surface it longer and the adhesion surface area more stable. This type of seam also reduces the dull bumping sound which is caused by the
seam running across the front and rear roller.
2.) How is the belt woven? A substantial weave is as important for the running belt as it is for a Persian carpet. The more substantial the
weave the more durable and long lasting the belt.
3.) Run your fingers across the underside of the running belt. You should feel the soft, cottony polyester weave. A number of
manufacturers only use nylon for the underside, to save cost. That is why it is so important to check the underside and listen to the
sound of the running belt in operation (if it sounds like buzzing bees, do not consider buying the treadmill). As you can imagine a
rough underside will more easily damage the top layer (phenolic resin) of the running deck which leads to the treadmill overheating
and possibly causing it to become defective. In very high quality treadmills the running belts sometimes are 4-ply and more. These
type running belts are able to withstand the demands of high speed running or the use by several persons.
The running deck
Most running decks are made of wood that is between 2-2.5 cm thick. The deck is mounted to the frame with rubber cushions which will take away some of the impact. If you are looking at a treadmill in the lower price range make sure the running deck is not made of particle board, which will break very easily. Replacing a running deck is not a task that can be accomplished quickly. To get to the deck a large part of the complete treadmill has to be disassembled. In most cases the running deck and running belt are synchronized and therefore the running belt might have to be replaced at the same time.
High end units in the meantime feature triple laminated phenolic resin on their running decks. Many can also be turned over once before having to be replaced and such extending the life of the board.
The running surface
A larger running surface allows more confident training. For walking or light jogging a running surface of 45 x 130 cm is sufficient. If the treadmill is used for a more intensive workout or if the user is taller then a running surface of 50 x140 cm should be chosen.
Electronics
Treadmills have two electronic components, the computer and the controller (controls the motor). The controller is the more important component, which often requires more maintenance. Most treadmill offer intensity profiles, user profiles, and user defined programs. The electronics should be covered by a 2 year warranty.
The Price
Which treadmill model you should purchase is determined by the type of use you have in mind. Small units often times have the advantage that they are very compact, can be folded easily, and stored away out of sight. Very inexpensive models start at around 600€. Should you be interested in purchasing a somewhat better quality product, we recommend taking a look at a unit starting at around 800 €. And you should keep in mind to watch for a 2.5 HP continuous power motor. The running surface should be 50 cm wide and between 135 and 140 cm long. For a taller user (180 cm and above) we recommend to purchase a quality treadmill in the price range of 1000 €- 2000 €. In this price range many times you will find longer warranties and larger running surfaces.
Heart rate control
via hand pulse sensors
The hand pulse sensor is the most inexpensive option of measuring the heart rate. It is however not as accurate as measuring the heart
rate with a wireless chest belt.
via chest belt transmitter (HRC)
The chest belt is worn right below the chest and sends its data directly to the computer. Depending on the current heart rate of the user
the speed or incline of the treadmill changes to stay within the target heart rate zone.
Find here our wide range of treadmills from various manufacturers
